What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the cartilage and lining of the body's joints.  Inflammation causes redness, warmth, pain and swelling.  Currently, there are about 40 million Americans who suffer from arthritis.  It is estimated by The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases that by the year 2020, about 60 million Americans will have arthritis.  People generally affected with this disease are over the age of 50.  Arthritis is a major cause of foot pain because each foot has 33 joints.

Types of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of Arthritis.  It causes excessive strain and wears away the cartilage in the joints of the foot.  It becomes very difficult and painful to move.  The pain and swelling becomes worse while standing and walking, and stiffness usually happens after periods of rest.

Another type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis.  This can develop at any age and there is no known cause.  Rheumatoid arthritis is the most crippling form of the disease that can affect people of all ages.  Severe deformities of the joints usually occur along with fatigue of the entire body.  Those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis often develop foot problems such as bunions, hammer toes, claw toes and others.

Gout is also a form of arthritis that leads to foot complications.  It is caused by when an excess of uric acid crystals collect in and around the joints of the big toe.  The focal point is mainly the big toe due to the stress and pressure it experiences during walking, standing and other weight bearing activities.  This leads to severe pain in the big toe.  Men are more likely to develop gout over women.

 For the discomfort you have with arthritis, BIOFREEZE is the #1 topical analgesic recommended by doctors and therapists.

Conservative treatment (non-surgical) of the arthritic foot includes having the proper footwear and orthotics.  When looking for the proper footwear, remember to look for these benefits:

• 
  
  High and wide space in the toe area
• 
  
  Removable insoles for fitting flexibility and for the option of inserting your own orthotics if necessary
• 
  
  Rocker Soles to reduce the stress and pain at the ball-of-the-foot.

Also keep in mind, a pair of custom-made orthotics is the only conservative treatment that has proven effective in:

• Reducing pain caused by osteoarthritis.
• Significantly reducing the progression of the joint disease.
• Protecting the unaffected joints in the foot from developing osteoarthritis, especially due to compensation.

If your problem persists, please contact Dr. Vail at 419-423-1888 to schedule your appointment.  To check out our line of products to help with arthritis of the foot as well as learning more about custom molded orthotics please visit our website at http://www.vailfoot.com/.